Lancaster Municipal Code Ch. 8.56 Skateboards, Roller Skates and Similar Devices

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate and restrict the use and operation of skateboards, roller skates and other similar devices in order to ensure that such devices are not operated within unsafe areas and to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, the following words and terms as used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

"Business district" has the same meaning as set forth in Section 235 of the California Vehicle Code.

"City" means the City of Lancaster.

"Private property" means any real property held by private interests that is used primarily for business, commercial, retail, office space, business park, religious, multifamily or recreational purposes. The term "private property" shall include the sidewalks, parking lots, alleys, parking facilities, plazas, outdoor sitting areas and courtyards located within and/or upon such property.

"Public property" means any real property owned or maintained by the city or any other public entity or public utility within the city's jurisdictional boundaries.

"Roller skates" means any footwear, or device which may be attached to the foot or footwear, to which wheels are attached (including wheels that are in line) and where such wheels may be used to aid the wearer in moving or propulsion.

"Skateboard" means a board of any material that is designed for the user/rider to stand or sit upon, which has wheels attached to it, is propelled or moved by human, gravitational or mechanical power and may be operated with or without a separate steering mechanism to control the turning of the wheels and may be operated with or without a mechanical braking system that will allow the user/rider to stop the wheels.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

It is unlawful for any person to utilize any skateboard, roller skates or other similar device to ride or move about in or on any public property when such public property has been designated by resolution of the city council as set forth in Section 8.56.060 and posted as a "No Skateboard or Roller Skating Area" as set forth in Section 8.56.070.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

It is unlawful for any person to utilize any skateboard, roller skates or other similar device to ride or move about in or on any private property within a business district without the direct or implied consent of the owner if there is displayed in plain view on such private property a sign prohibiting such conduct and referring to this chapter. It shall be the responsibility of the private property owner to post and maintain all signs pursuant to this section, and such signs shall conform to the size and content requirements set forth in Section 8.56.070.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

A. In addition to the requirements imposed by Section 21212 of the California Vehicle Code, it is unlawful for any person under (18) years of age to ride upon or utilize any skateboard, roller skates or other similar device in or on any public property, including, without limitation, a public sidewalk, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities.

B. It is unlawful for any person to ride upon or utilize any skateboard, roller skates or other similar device in a manner that creates a nuisance. For the purpose of this section, "nuisance" is defined as any activity that:

1. Threatens injury to any person or property, public or private;

2. Creates an obstruction or presents a hazard to the free and unrestricted use of public or private property by pedestrians or motorists; or

3. Generates loud or unreasonable noise.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

The city council may designate any public roadway, sidewalk or other public property as a "No Skateboarding or Roller Skating Area." The city council shall designate such area(s) and the time(s) when such activity is prohibited by resolution and order the posting of appropriate signage as required by Section 8.56.070.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

An area designated by resolution of the city council as a "No Skateboard or Roller Skating Area" shall be posted with signs that provide substantially as follows: "Skateboarding, roller skating or similar activity is prohibited by Chapter 8.56 of the Lancaster Municipal Code." Such signs shall be posted in plain view of all entrances to the property or area and shall be not less than seventeen (17) inches by twenty-two (22) inches in size with lettering not less than one (1) inch in height.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

Any device designated, intended and used solely for the transportation of infants, the handicapped or incapacitated persons, devices designed, intended and used for the transportation of merchandise to and from the place of purchase and other wheeled devices, when being used for either of these purposes, shall be exempt from this chapter. Additionally, the city council may, by resolution, suspend the enforcement provisions of this chapter to accommodate special events.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

A first violation of this chapter shall be deemed an infraction and is punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). A second violation of this chapter committed by the same person shall be deemed an infraction and is punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). A third violation and each subsequent violation of this chapter committed by the same person shall be deemed an infraction and is punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each occurrence.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)

If any part or provision of this chapter is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of law, such invalidity shall not affect any other part or provision herein, and all remaining provisions of this chapter will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(Ord. No. 980, § 1, 8-28-2012)